iPhone 15 vs. iPhone 16 — what's the real difference?
The iPhone 16 brings Apple Intelligence (AI features), the Camera Control button, the newer A18 chip and better thermal management. The iPhone 15 has the same USB-C and Dynamic Island, but no AI. Paying extra for the 16 (see the current difference in the offer below) is worth it if you want AI features and longer future iOS support; otherwise the 15 is still a top-tier phone.
The iPhone 16 brings Apple Intelligence (AI features), the Camera Control button, the newer A18 chip and better thermal management. The iPhone 15 has the same USB-C and Dynamic Island, but no AI. Paying extra for the 16 (see the current difference in the offer below) is worth it if you want AI features and longer future iOS support; otherwise the 15 is still a top-tier phone.
In this article
- Design and materials
- Where they differ:
- Display
- Performance and chip
- Camera
- What the iPhone 16 adds:
- Battery and charging
- Battery life:
- Pre-owned pricing — a real comparison
- Verdict: which should you choose?
- Choose a pre-owned iPhone 15 if:
- Choose a pre-owned iPhone 16 if:
- Our tip:
Design and materials
At first glance, the iPhone 15 and iPhone 16 are almost indistinguishable. Apple kept its proven design language: flat edges, rounded corners, premium build quality. Both models have an aluminium frame (standard versions) or a titanium frame (Pro models) and a textured back glass that resists fingerprints better.
Where they differ:
- iPhone 16 comes in new colours — such as ultramarine (dark blue), teal and pink, which the iPhone 15 didn't offer.
- Camera Control button — the iPhone 16 has a new physical button on the right side for controlling the camera. It lets you quickly launch the camera, adjust exposure settings or zoom with touch gestures. The iPhone 15 lacks this button.
- Dimensions are practically identical — you won't notice the difference in your pocket or a case.
If colour matters to you or you want to control the camera with a button, the iPhone 16 scores points. Otherwise the designs are comparable.
Display
Both phones have an OLED Super Retina XDR display with high brightness, excellent colour reproduction and Ceramic Shield protective glass. Resolution and pixel density are identical (2556 × 1179 px, 460 ppi).
Both generations now have Dynamic Island across every model — from the base version up to the Pro Max. Comparing the standard iPhone 15 with the iPhone 16, you'll only find minor display differences:
- Brightness and outdoor visibility — the iPhone 16 has slightly improved backlighting and reads better in direct sunlight.
- ProMotion 120 Hz and Always-On display — these remain Pro-only features on both generations. The standard iPhone 15 and iPhone 16 both have a 60Hz refresh rate.
- Resolution and Ceramic Shield protective glass are practically identical.
From a display standpoint, there's no major difference between the standard iPhone 15 and iPhone 16 that an everyday user would notice. If you want a smoother 120Hz display, you'll need to go for a Pro version (on either generation).
Performance and chip
This is where the biggest technical difference comes in:
| Model | Chip |
|---|---|
| iPhone 15 | A16 Bionic |
| iPhone 15 Pro/Max | A17 Pro |
| iPhone 16 | A18 |
| iPhone 16 Pro/Max | A18 Pro |
In practice: the A16 Bionic in the iPhone 15 is still very fast. For everyday use — social media, photography, streaming, games — you won't notice a difference versus the A18. Where the A18 shows its strength is graphics performance in games and Apple Intelligence — the new AI features in iOS 18 that require an A17 Pro or A18 chip. If you want AI features like Writing Tools, Image Playground or Priority Notifications, you'll need the iPhone 16 (or iPhone 15 Pro).
Camera
Both phones have a 48 MP main camera and 12 MP ultrawide. Identical on paper — but there are real-world differences.
What the iPhone 16 adds:
- Improved image processing thanks to the A18 chip — better detail in the dark, more accurate colours.
- Spatial Video — recording 3D videos for Apple Vision Pro on the standard model (on the iPhone 15 this was Pro-only).
- Camera Control button enables smooth touch zooming, instant camera launch and access to settings without switching apps.
- An improved ultrawide with autofocus — better macro shots and group photos.
The iPhone 15 Pro has 3× optical zoom (a 12 MP telephoto lens), and the iPhone 15 Pro Max was the first to offer 5× optical tetraprism zoom. The standard iPhone 16 only has 2× optical zoom, so if you photograph distant subjects, the iPhone 15 Pro models (especially the Pro Max) may be a better choice than the standard iPhone 16.
Battery and charging
Important news: both phones have USB-C. The switch from Lightning is complete as of the iPhone 15. So whether you go for a pre-owned iPhone 15 or 16, you can bin the Lightning cables.
Battery life:
- iPhone 15 — up to 20 hours of video playback, up to 16 hours of streaming.
- iPhone 16 — up to 22 hours of video playback, up to 18 hours of streaming. Roughly 10% better battery life.
In real-world use: the iPhone 16 lasts approximately 1–2 hours longer per charge. For light users, the difference isn't significant. For travellers or heavy users who charge once a day, it's a noticeable benefit. MagSafe wireless charging works on both. The iPhone 16 supports faster MagSafe wireless charging up to 25 W (with a 30 W or stronger adapter), while the iPhone 15 tops out at 15 W over MagSafe — in practice, a difference of a few minutes.
Pre-owned pricing — a real comparison
Let's look at real prices from our offer:
| Model | Pre-owned price |
|---|---|
| iPhone 15 | from the current catalogue price |
| iPhone 15 Plus | from the current catalogue price |
| iPhone 15 Pro | from the current catalogue price |
| iPhone 15 Pro Max | from the current catalogue price |
| iPhone 16 | from the current catalogue price |
| iPhone 16 Plus | from the current catalogue price |
| iPhone 16 Pro | from the current catalogue price |
| iPhone 16 Pro Max | from the current catalogue price |
The price difference between a pre-owned iPhone 15 and a pre-owned iPhone 16 varies by condition and capacity — see the current prices of both models in the live offer below. For the extra cost you get the Camera Control button, Apple Intelligence, a better battery and the A18 chip (both have Dynamic Island). Whether it's worth it is up to you.
Verdict: which should you choose?
Choose a pre-owned iPhone 15 if:
- You want maximum savings — a pre-owned iPhone 15 is cheaper than a comparable iPhone 16 (the exact difference depends on condition and capacity — check the current offer).
- You don't need Apple Intelligence AI features.
- You'd prefer a pre-owned iPhone 15 Pro Max with 5× zoom (or an iPhone 15 Pro with 3× zoom) at a price comparable to the standard iPhone 16.
- You mainly use your phone for photography and social media — the A16 Bionic's performance is more than enough.
Choose a pre-owned iPhone 16 if:
- You want Apple Intelligence on a standard model (without having to buy a Pro).
- Apple Intelligence appeals to you — Writing Tools, Image Playground, better Siri.
- The Camera Control button seems practical to you — and after a while of using it, it really is.
- You want the longest possible software support.
Our tip:
A pre-owned iPhone 15 Pro is the hidden winner of this comparison. You get a titanium frame, the A17 Pro chip (with Apple Intelligence), 3× optical zoom and a 48 MP main camera — Pro-level specs for a price close to the standard iPhone 16. If you want 5× zoom, go for the iPhone 15 Pro Max instead. You'll find current prices for both models on their product pages.
Whichever you choose, at iLoveServis you get a 2-year warranty, 30-day returns and 11 physical stores where our team is happy to help. Take a look at our full range of pre-owned iPhone 15 and 16 models and find the right one for you.